Rotatable golf bag holder

ABSTRACT

A rotatable golf bag holder for use on various types of golf carts. The holder includes a rotatable base on which the bottom of a conventional pocketed golf bag rests and a rotatable ring assembly which encircles and clamps the top of the golf bag, permitting full 360* rotation of the holder and bag to provide easy access to the ball and accessory pockets thereof.

United States Patent [191 Herling et al.

[ Jan.8, 1974 ROTATABLE GOLF BAG HOLDER [76] Inventors: Charles A.Herling, 1308 Orchard Hills Pl., I-lagerstown, Md. 21740; Bernard L.Maizlish, 1016 Flagtree Ln., Baltimore, Md. 21208 22 Filed: Apr. 14,1972 21 Appl. No.: 244,047

[52] US. Cl 248/96, 280/47.26, 280/DIG. 6 [51] Int. Cl A63h 55/08 [58]Field of Search 248/96, 131, 349, 248/45, 98; 280/36 C, 47.13, 47.19,DIG. 5,

DIG. 6, 47.26

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,806,711 9/1957 Jacobs280/DIG. 6

453,856 6/1891 Christy 248/131 2,559,317 7/1951 Perlstein 248/1313,302,594 2/1967 Barnett et a1. 248/349 1,475,605 11/1923 Smith i 248/962,756,955 7/1956 Chadowski et al. 248/45 3,580,533 5/1971 Nordland248/96 Primary ExaminerEdward C. Allen Att0rneyW. Britton Moore 57]ABSTRACT A rotatable golf bag holder for use on various types of golfcarts. The holder includes a rotatable base on which the bottom of aconventional pocketed golf bag rests and a rotatable ring assembly whichencircles and clamps the top of the golf bag, permitting full 360rotation of the holder and bag to provide easy access to the ball andaccessory pockets thereof.

10 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures Pmemmm 8M3 I 3784.138

saw 10; 3

PATENTEUJAM 8 ms 3784.138

1 sum REF 3 PAIENTEUJAN ems 3784.138

SHEEI 30$ 3 ROTATABLE GOLF BAG HOLDER This invention relates to arotatable golf bag holder adapted for use with conventional golf bagsand golf carts to permit ready access to all of the bag pockets andhandles thereof.

In the conventional golf cart whether it be hand pulled, or motorized, agolf bag is firmly strapped or clamped in a fixed position whichgenerally results in thebag being arranged on the golf cart with thepockets being inaccessible. When this occurs, it is necessary to unclampor unstrap the golf bag, relocate it in a more favorable orientation,and then reclamp or restrap the golf bag to the golf cart. Thisoperation takes time and is somewhat of an annoyance to one who islooking forward to an uninterrupted game of golf. When playing golf, itis time consuming and annoying to both those out on the fairway andthose waiting to tee off for players obliged to unstrap and adjust theirbags to gain access to the pockets thereof.

The foregoing situation occurs with more frequency than might beexpected in that the conventional golf bag is constructed with a handleand shoulder strap on one side and pockets on the other side. Since itis easiest to pick up a golf bag by its handle, the bag is usuallyplaced on the golf cart with the pockets facing rearwardly and in theirleast accessible position. In the typical hand pulled golf cart, a golfbag so positioned would have the pockets abutting the verticallydisposed post, whereas in a ridable motorized cart, the pockets would bedisposed against a similar post or frame, or directly against thevehicles side wall.

In either event, with the bag firmly secured in place, the pocketscannot be reached without undoing the holding means, repositioning thebag, and resecuring it with the pockets forwardly disposed.

This problem, of course, could be avoided if the user of the bag placedit correctly on the golf cart at the outset of his game. This, however,is not always possible, since at most golfing areas, such as country andgolf clubs, the golf bags are arranged on carts by employees who usuallydeposit a golf bag on a cart with the handle extending forwardly and thepockets of the bag rearwardly so as to be inaccessible. Thus, theaverage golfer usually starts his game with an incorrectly positionedgolf bag.

'Another problem encountered with conventional golf bag holders is thatit is a time consuming and cumbersome process to strap a bag to a golfcart with the usual top and bottom straps.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a means forrotatably supporting a golf bag on a golf cart to afford access to thepockets thereof.

An additional object is the provision of a rotatable golf bag holderwhich permits ready insertion and removal of a golf bag.

A further object is to provide a rotatable golf bag holder which islight and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object is to provide a rotatable golf bag holder readilyattachable to conventional golf carts.

The present invention solves the problem of positioning a golf bag on agolf cart by providing a rotatable holder that can be readily attachedto a conventional golf cart for use with a conventional golf bag. Arotatable base member or lazy susan is mounted on the bottom of the golfcart. Axially aligned and spaced above the base member so as to bepositioned near the top of the golf cart is a rotatable split ringassembly having inwardly directed spaced radial bag engaging pinmembers. The radial pins are spring biased and are positioned to firmlyengage the annulus of the golf bag, with the split ring being hinged intwo halves, secured together by a releasable catch so that the ring maybe selectively opened or closed. Thus, to insert the bag it is onlynecessary to release the catch, open the ring, position the bottom ofthe golf bag on the rotatable lazy Susan base, and then close the ringaround the top of the bag. With the spring biased pin members pressingagainst the annulus of the bag, the split ring may be manually rotatedin either direction within a range of 360 to reposition the bag with itspockets more accessible.

These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent fromthe accompanying description and drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional hand pulled golf cartwith the rotatable bag engaging ring and bag end supporting lazy susanspacedly mounted thereon with the bag being shown in dottedlines;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the invention shown in FIG. 1 showing indotted line the bag engaging split ring in its collapsed position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective ofthe split ring and its mounting;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the split ring and its mounting, showing indotted line a golf bag mounted therein, and wherein the split ring maybe hinged to the open dotted line position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the split ring along the line 5-5 of FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the spring biased pin members along theline 66 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the split ring hinge along the line 77 ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the split ring catch in its latchedposition;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the split ring catch in its open position;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1showing in dotted lines a golf bag correctly oriented thereon;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention arranged on aconventional motorized golf cart, with the latter shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11showing in dotted lines a golf bag mounted thereon.

Proceeding next to the drawings, wherein like reference symbols indicatesimilar parts throughout the various views, a specific embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in detail.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the two major components of theinvention including a rotatable split ring 1 and a rotatable base 2, areattached to the upper and lower ends of a conventional, collapsible,hand pulled golf cart, generally indicated by the numeral 3. Aconventional golf bag 4, with pockets 5 and 5a, handle 6 and shoulderstrap 7, (FIG. 10) is shown mounted thereon.

As can be best seen in FIG. 2, the golf cart 3 consists of a foldinghandle 8, a vertical post or standard frame member 9, and a bottomsupport frame member 10 connected at right angles to the vertical framemember 9 by a suitable clamp 11. Wheels 12 are connected to frame member9 by swinging axles 13, hinged at 14, and locked in place by springloaded pins, so that the wheel assemblies may be collapsed or folded inthe usual manner.

The rotatable base 2 may be of any suitable material, such as, metal orplastic and is of the lazy susan type and mounted on the upturned outerend 16 of frame support for full 360 rotation thereabout. Rotatable base2 has a generally flat support surface 17 on which the bottom of the bagrests, and an upstanding circumferential lip 18 to keep the bag bottomfrom slipping off the base. As base 2 is journalled for rotation, it maybe mounted on conventional ball bearings in sub-base 19 to facilitatesmooth and easy rotation thereof.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the rotatable split ring 1 consists of twosemicylindrical portions 20 and 21, generally rectangular in crosssection, which are hinged together by hinge pin 22. The split ring whichmay also be made of any suitable material such as, metal or plastic, isshown in its open dotted line position in FIG. 4.

' Formed in the upper and lower faces of each ring portion and extendingaround the circumference of split ring 1 are grooves24 and 25 to receiveconventional anti-friction bearing assemblies 26 and 27 suitably mountedwithin a split ring mounting assembly, generally designated at 28. Thebearing assemblies perform the dual functions of maintaining the splitring 1 withinthe mounting assembly 28 while permitting free and easyrotation of the split ring relative thereto.

Split ring mounting assembly 28 is connected to frame 9 of golf cart 3by any convenient means, such as, the adjustable two-piece mountingclamp 29-30 in FIGS. 2 and 3. The mounting assembly 28, is hinged byhinge pins 31 to frame member 9 so that the split ring can be foldeddown into the downwardly depending collapsed dotted line position ofFIG. 2. In one embodiment the split ring mounting assembly 28 is dividedinto two segments consisting of a U-shaped mounting bracket 32 attachedto mounting clamp and a split ring housing 33 hingedly connected tomounting bracket 32 by a cooperating I-I-shaped bracket 34. A lock armis threadedly connected to a hinge pin 31 so that the hinged mountingassembly may be locked at any desired level in its range of movement,such as the full line bag engaging or the dotted line storage positionsof FIG. 2. Split ring housing 33 is generally U- shaped with its bottomattached to bracket 34 and its upstanding legs 33a and 33b providing anarea for split ring 1 to be inserted therebetween. Easy rotation ofsplit ring 1 is accomplished by mounting suitable antifriction bearingassemblies 26 and 27 in housing 33 to communicate with grooves 24 and 25in split ring 1.

As previously mentioned, mounting assembly 28 is hinged so that thesplit ring may be stored in a folded down position. It is desirous,therefore, to provide lock means on the hinge so that the split ringremains in a selected position. One way to accomplish this is to providea lock arm 35 which is threadedly connected to a hinge pin 31 wherebyscrewing in the lock arm will draw it closer to hinge pin 31 and therebyexert locking friction on brackets 32 and 34 so that the hinged mountingassembly may be held at any desired level in its pivoted range ofmovement, such as, the full line bag engaging or the dotted line storagepositions of FIG. 2. When the split ring 1, lies in a plane parallel toflat surface 17 or base 2, the centers thereof will generally be inaxial alignment to permit free rotation of a golf bag clamped within thering and supported by base 2.

Arranged on and extending inwardly from the inner circumference of splitring 1 are two or more radial pins 36 having arcuate plates 37 on theinner ends thereof adapted to snugly engage the outer surface of golfbag 4 at spaced points. In order to accommodate golf bags of varioussizes and shapes, the pins 36 may be variable in length and biasedtoward their extended positions. As illustrated in FIG. 6, one way toachieve the desired result is to construct the pin assemblies 36 ofspring biased telescoping members. Thus, rods 38 projecting inwardlyfrom split ring portions 20-21 telescopically receive sleeves 39 whichare restrained in their longitudinal travel over rods 38 by pins 40secured thereto. The ends of slots 41 in sleeves 39 provide thelongitudinal limit stops for sleeves 39 as they abut pins 35, and thesides of slots 4] keep the sleeves 39 from rotating about rods 38.Sleeves 39 are maintained in their extended positions by springs 42serving to keep the sleeves in snug engagement with the outer surface ofa mounted golf bag to permit simultaneous rotation of the bag with thesplit ring. The arcuate plates 37 of the sleeves are enlarged and shapedso as to conform to the contour of a golf bag; With reference to FIG. 6,plates 37 may be covered by a suitable soft protective coating 43, suchas, rubber or plastic, to preclude damaging or marring the engaged areasof the golf bag.

The split ring 1 is provided with a catch to enable its two portions 20and 21 to be locked in their closed position. One form of such a catchis shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Housed within ring portion 20 is spring catchelement 44 consisting of a straight band portion 45 curving to formpoint 46 and leading up ramp 47 to a raised lip portion 48 andthereafter continuing to finger por tion 49. Aligned with spring catch44 in ring portion 21 is detent 50 having a lip portion 51. To close andlock the split ring, halves 20 and -21 are swung toward each other untilthe point 46 of catch element 44 enters detent 50 and the lip 51 ridesup ramp 47 and over lip 48 as shown in FIG. 8. The spring action ofcatch 44 maintains lip 48 against portion 51 in detent 50 therebylocking split ring halves 20 and 21 together.

To open the split ring one need merely to depress finger portion 49thereby moving the catch element to the dotted line position shown inFIG. 9, and swing halves 7 mounted within the holder arranged on a handpulled golf cart. The bottom of bag 4 rests on surface 17 of base 2 withlip 18 thereof preventing the bag from slipping therefrom. It will benoted that the top of bag 4 is encircled by split ring 1 in its closedposition with radial fingers 36 snugly pressing against the bagscircumfen ence. In this mounted position, the split ring with the baggripped therein may be manually rotated in either direction so thataccess can be had to pockets 5 and 50, golf bag handle 6, and shoulderstrap 7. In this connection, it should be noted that elements 1 and 2should be located a sufficient distance from the cart post 8 to provideclearance for the bag pockets, handle, and strap.

Another embodiment of our invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12wherein the rotatable split ring assembly and base are suitably mountedin a bag receiving section of a conventional motorized golf cart.Rotatable base 2 is secured to floor 53 of cart 51 and the split ring 1is attached to wall 54 thereof. The elements 1 and 2 are installed inaxial alignment with one another and the ring 1 is spaced above base 2at a height suff|- cient to accommodate the top of a conventional golfbag. The invention as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is the same in everyrespect as that shown in FIGS. 1 through with the exception that thisembodiment is altered to adapt it to a different type of golfingvehicle. Mounting of the elements 1 and 2 could also be accomplished byutilizing an L-shaped pipe frame, not shown, similar to frame elements 9and 10, with the base 2 being secured to the short leg of the L and thering clamped to the top of the long leg of the L.

The entire assembly consisting of the L-shaped frame, split ring 1,.androtatable base 2 could then be mounted at any convenient position orangle in the motorized golf cart. In the alternative, elements 1 and 2could be mounted, as shown, with base 2 secured to floor 53 and ring 1attached to wall 54. The exact mode of attachment is of littleconsequence, provided the elements 1 and 2 are in axial alignment withone another and engage the opposite extremeties of a conventional golfbag to facilitate free rotation thereof. In either event, elements 1 and2 must be positioned to permit free rotation of the bag, as previouslydescribed.

While we have illustrated and described two embodiments of our rotatablegolf bag holder, it is to be understood that various changes andimprovements may be made therein without departing from the scope of theappended claims.

We claim:

1. A rotatable golf bag holder for use on golf carts comprising:

a. a rotatable support base secured to the lower portion of a golf cart;

b, a rotatable split ring means pivotally secured to the upper portionof said golf cart;

c. said rotatable split ring being hinged and having catch means thereonto facilitate the opening, closing and locking of said rotatable splitring in its closed position;

d. said base and said ring being in generally parallel axial alignmentwith one another and spaced apart a sufficient distance to engage thelower and upper portions respectively of a golf bag whereby the golf bagwith its lower portion resting on said rotatable base and its upperportion encircled and engaged by said rotatable split ring may be freelyrotated with said base and ring to facilitate access to areas of theexterior thereof.

2. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said golf cartis a conventional hand pulled golf cart.

3. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said golf cartis a conventional motorized golf cart.

4. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ringand said rotatable base are made of plastic.

5. in a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ringhas inwardly directed radial pin means of sufficient length to snuglyengage the circumference of a golf bag.

6. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said radial pinmeans are spring biased.

7. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the surface ofsaid radial pin means engageable with said golf bag are covered with aprotective material.

8. in a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ringand said rotatable base ride in antifriction bearing assemblies. 9. In agolf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring ispivotally mounted on said golf cart for pivotal movement to a collapsedposition, and lock means is associated therewith whereby the split ringmay be locked at any position within its range of pivoted travel.

10. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base has acircumferential lip extending upwards from said base.

1. A rotatable golf bag holder for use on golf carts comprising: a. arotatable support base secured to the lower portion of a golf cart; b. arotatable split ring means pivotally secured to the upper portion ofsaid golf cart; c. said rotatable split ring being hinged and havingcatch means thereon to facilitate the opening, closing and locking ofsaid rotatable split ring in its closed position; d. said base and saidring being in generally parallel axial alignment with one another andspaced apart a sufficient distance to engage the lower and upperportions respectively of a golf bag whereby the golf bag with its lowerportion resting on said rotatable base and its upper portion encircledand engaged by said rotatable split ring may be freely rotated with saidbase and ring to facilitate access to areas of the exterior thereof. 2.In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said golf cart is aconventional hand pulled golf cart.
 3. In a golf bag holder, as claimedin claim 1, wherein said golf cart is a conventional motorized golfcart.
 4. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said splitring and said rotatable base are made of plastic.
 5. in a golf bagholder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring has inwardlydirected radial pin means of sufficient length to snugly engage thecircumference of a golf bag.
 6. In a golf bag holder, as claimed inclaim 5, wherein said radial pin means are spring biased.
 7. In a golfbag holder, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the surface of said radialpin means engageable with said golf bag are covered with a protectivematerial.
 8. in a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidsplit ring and said rotatable base ride in anti-friction bearingassemblies.
 9. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidsplit ring is pivotally mounted on said golf cart for pivotal movementto a collapsed position, and lock means is associated therewith wherebythe split ring may be locked at any position within its range of pivotedtravel.
 10. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidbase has a circumferential lip extending upwards from said base.